If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Council Tax Support. This could reduce the amount you have to pay.
What Council Tax is
Who needs to pay, how your bill is calculated, how it is spent.
Who needs to pay Council Tax
A full Council Tax bill is based on at least 2 adults living in a home.
You are responsible for paying Council Tax if you're:
- the owner of the property and live in it
- a tenant named on the property's tenancy agreement
If you do not live in your home
You must still pay Council Tax if you:
- do not live in your home but own it
- have a tenancy of 6 months or more
This applies if your property is:
- empty
- a second home
- a care home, nursing home or hostel
- lived in by more than one household, known as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
- lived in by a minister of religion or a religious community
- sometimes used by an employer whose staff live at the property
If your home is empty for longer than 1 year or a second home, you will be required to pay an extra Council Tax premium.
Discounts and exemptions
Not everyone has to pay full Council Tax. You may qualify for a discount or exemption, depending on your circumstances.
Find out more about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.